It’s that time of year when maple sugaring is in full swing! Bundle up the family and head out to tap a tree and taste some of that sweet syrup. Celebrate Black History Month at the Montclair Art Museum, have fun with Elmo and Rosita at Sesame Street Live! with the little ones and on Sunday, take an easy winter hike to work off those pancakes at New Jersey Botanical Gardens.
ALL WEEKEND
February Festivities at Trailside
Saturday & Monday
Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 Providence Road, Mountainside
Join for some fun outdoor activities including a Wildlife in Winter Walk. See how maple syrup is made in The Journey of Sap to Syrup program. The kids will love going on a scavenger hunt for nests, berries and buck rubs. Then warm up with hot chocolate around the fire.
Palmer Square on Ice
Sunday – Monday
On the Green at Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton
Ice Sculpture Philly will be back again for a two-day live carving event! Meet up on the Green from 12 pm-2 pm to watch as giant ice blocks are sculpted into stunning 3-D figures right before your eyes. Stay and pose with the interactive piece and tag @palmersquare on social media. Don’t miss the strolling tunes of Princeton University’s signature all-male a cappella group, the Tigertones on Sunday.
Intrepid Museum Kids Week
Saturday – Saturday
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York City
The Intrepid Museum will host its annual Kids Week festival this year from Saturday, February 19–Saturday, February 26. During Kids Week, children of all ages and interests will learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) through fun-filled activities, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, performances, special guests and interactive demonstrations.
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!
Saturday – following Sunday
Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! returns to Hulu Theater at MSG from February 19 – 27. Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame Street as they present an all-new, interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood.
Dancin’ in the Streets: The Music of Motown
Friday – Sunday
Kimmel Cultural Campus, Philadelphia
The Philly POPS gets grooving with the sounds of Hitsville, USA in Dancin’ in the Streets: The Music of Motown. The performance features the full Philly POPS orchestra on timeless Motown hits, including songs from iconic artists Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and more—with a nod to Philly’s own legendary producers, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
Looking for things to do over winter break? Click here!
FRIDAY
Nature on the Move – Winter Days: Migration – Do All Birds Fly South for the Winter?
1101 Schoolhouse Road, Wall
Look for the colorful Nature on the Move van in Shark River Park, Wall, (main parking area) and join a Park System Naturalist for a 45-60-minute hands-on interactive program. Keep warm with some hot cocoa while exploring how nature survives the colder weather through fun games and activities. Free.
Meteor Shower
Sitnik Theater, Hackettstown
Corky and Norm are excited to host Gerald and Laura at their home in the valley outside Los Angeles to watch a once-in-a-lifetime meteor shower. But as the stars come out and the conversation gets rolling, it becomes clear that Gerald and Laura might not be all that they appear to be. Over the course of a crazy, starlit dinner party, the wildly unexpected occurs. The couples begin to flirt and insanity reigns. Martin, using his trademark absurdist humor, bends the fluid nature of time and reality to create a surprising and unforgettably funny new play.
Popcorn Falls
Kelsey Theater at Mercer County Community College, West Windsor
If you liked Schitt’s Creek, you’ll love Popcorn Falls. Maurer Productions OnStage presents this offbeat comedy which was a hit off-Broadway in 2018. Popcorn Falls is the story of a small town forced into bankruptcy when a neighboring town threatens to turn them into a sewage treatment plant. Their solution? Put on a show! Two actors play 21 characters in this high-energy, laugh-filled 90-minute race to save their beloved town. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza Grand Opening
Jersey City
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, the famed fast-casual pizza concept known for its larger-than-life NYC slices, is celebrating the Grand Opening of its Jersey City outpost on Friday from 12 pm to midnight. As a thank you to the city for their continued support while the location was under development, Artichoke will be offering the first 100 people in line during the Grand Opening celebration 2 huge slices of pizza, a beverage, and an exclusive Artichoke Basille’s Pizza t-shirt for just $25! In addition, 20 percent of all sales made on that date will be donated to the Jersey City Free Public Library in support of the library’s mission to provide Jersey City residents with free educational and employment resources.
SATURDAY
Maple Sugaring at Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township
The time of freezing nights and thawing days has come…and the smell of maple syrup is in the air! Help farmers collect sap in the woods, make syrup in the sap house, and taste whole wheat pancakes after a quick visit to the farmhouse kitchen. Lunch will also be available for purchase.
Maple Sugaring at The Watershed Institute
31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington
Join Pat Heaney, Assistant Director of Education, and discover the history, folklore and science of maple sugaring. Visit the maple trees, find out how to tap them using drills and spiles and try a sample of sweet maple sugar. Waitlist only.
Lion Dance Performance
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Join to celebrate the Year of the Tiger with True Artist Diamond Painting. Enjoy an explosion of color and sound of traditional Lion Dance outside the boutique, located in downtown Montclair. This is a free event. After the performance shop and check out True Artist Diamond Painting’s DIY Art Kits to take home.
AXIS Dance Company
Pfleeger Concert Hall, Glassboro
AXIS Dance Company is one of the nation’s most acclaimed ensembles of disabled and non-disabled performers. AXIS creates virtuosic productions that challenge perceptions and redefine dance and disability. Roots Above Ground is a 55-minute dance work that explores the multiple meanings of home as it peels back the layers to uncover the human need for belonging.
Montclair Art Museum Public Tour: African American History Month
3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
Discover the best of the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions on a tour with a knowledgeable and engaging docent. In honor of African American History Month, this tour explores the experiences of Black historical and contemporary artists in the collection.
SUNDAY
Family Winter Woodland Hike
New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Ringwood
Join NJBG hike leaders on an easy, child-friendly hike in the Garden’s woodlands. Learn a bit about the plants and animals around you on a hike designed to fit the group. Wear sturdy shoes, meet at the Carriage House. Snow/rain cancels. Free.
Great Backyard Bird Count
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts and Recreation, Ringwood
Take an easy walk around the grounds, stopping at the bird feeding station, and count the birds. Participants will record and submit this data to eBird, where it is used at Cornell University and other research sites. The group will discuss basic field ID and how to use eBird when birding on your own. No birding experience is necessary.
Live Music in Lambertville
Tomasello Winery, Lambertville
Join for live music, wine and fun. This weekend Geoff Caldwell performs.
Fire and Ice Festival and Chocolate Walk
933 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge
Spend the day at New Egypt Flea Market viewing the ice sculptures, enjoying the firepits, tasting chocolate and of course shopping. Don’t miss the ice sculptures created by Larry the Wood Carver. Pet adoption will be open at Doggie Sweets.
Pop Up Shop in Celebration of Black History Month
The Neighborhood House Association, 644 West 4th Street, Plainfield
Join for a Pop Up Black History Month celebration with poetry, guest speakers, singing and shopping.
ONGOING
Maple Sugaring at Tenafly Nature Center
Sundays through March 20
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly
Learn how to identify a maple tree. Discover the history of syrup making and how technology has changed the way we gather sap over the centuries. The group will check Tenafly Nature Center’s tapped tree and boil down sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup, a sweet treat for all to taste. All ages are welcome.
Skating on the Square
Thursday – Sunday (through Feb. 27)
Hulfish St., Princeton
You’re invited to make lasting memories and start new traditions this holiday season at Palmer Square’s “eco-friendly” outdoor synthetic skating rink! Located on Hulfish Street Behind the Nassau Inn Hotel.
WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River
Thursday – Sunday (through Feb. 21)
Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill
WinterFest Ice Skating is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners at Cooper River Park near the corner of Cuthbert Blvd. and Park Avenue in Cherry Hill.
Newport Skates
Newport Skates, Jersey City
All weekend
Newport Skates, Jersey City’s only outdoor ice skating rink, is open for the 2021-2022 season. Skaters can once again enjoy beautiful views of the New York City skyline while zipping around the rink. Online ticketing is available through the Newport Skates website.
Night Forms: dreamloop by Klip Collective
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
Grounds For Sculpture announced a two-year partnership with Klip Collective to present a distinctive after-hours multi-sensory experience. The Night Forms series will directly interact with a selection of contemporary artworks and signature horticultural features across the park’s 42 acres, furthering the nonprofit’s commitment to creating unique experiences bringing art and nature together. *Show extended to April 3!
2nd Annual Winter Wonderwalk
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
The grounds of Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum, the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., have been transformed for the holiday season. Winter Wonderwalk is an exciting new addition to the decorated estate. Walk the grounds and view these fun & whimsical display of winters past. Individuals, families, community groups, businesses and school classrooms are all welcome to participate.
Terhune Orchards Winery in Winter
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
This winter the winery will be open Saturdays & Sundays with indoor and outdoor seating. The seasonal hot mulled wine is a wonderful way to warm up. Sample a variety of wines with a tasting flight or enjoy wine by the glass. The fire pits will be going all weekend. All ages can enjoy s’more kits and hot cocoa.
Harbaugh Village
Tuesdays – Sundays
Mullica Hill
Harbaugh Village was founded by Steve Harbaugh after years of attracting local and national visitors to his holiday display and toy drive at his home in South Jersey. Now, it’s not just about the holidays. Harbaugh Village is a year-round attraction for communities in South Jersey and beyond. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones to enjoy endless entertainment, attractions, local vendors, event spaces and more!
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center Maple Sugaring
Chatham Twp.
Weekends until March 12
Learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. This year, the program will be held entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather. Spiles and syrup will be available for purchase, while supplies last. For ages 5 & up.
Looking for more ways to make winter fun? Plan a day trip to Storm King!
